AbstractThe influence of the consumption of unused and used (in repeated potato frying operations) palm olein on copper bioavailability was investigated. Three diets containing respectively 8% olive oil (O), palm olein (P) and palm olein from 80 repeated potato frying operation without turnover (PF), which nearly reached the limit of 25% polar compounds allowed by law, were given to rats for 28 days. No differences were found in food intake and body weight. The liver mass index was higher in PF than in P rats. No significant differences were observed in copper apparent absorption or in liver, skin, erythrocyte, serum and carcass copper contents. Therefore consumption of palm olein, whether unused or used in frying, does not alter copper bioavailability in growing rats. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry